Air Canada announced Wednesday that aviation executive Anko Van der Werff will become the airline's next president and chief executive officer, effective by the end of January 2027. He succeeds Michael Rousseau, who faced intense backlash after delivering an English-only statement following a fatal runway crash at New York's LaGuardia Airport in March.
Bilingual requirement key in CEO search
The airline's board of directors conducted a monthslong search and made French-language ability a key criterion. Van der Werff, currently president and CEO of SAS Scandinavian Airlines, speaks Dutch and is able to communicate in French and English, according to Air Canada. He also has learned Spanish, Italian and Swedish at various levels throughout his international career.
"Our Board of Directors was impressed by the quality of experienced executives from around the world who expressed interest in the role," Air Canada board chair Vagn Sorensen said in a statement. "We are delighted to have attracted and recruited an executive of Mr. Van der Werff's stature to lead Air Canada."
Over 25 years of leadership experience
Van der Werff, 51, brings more than 25 years of international airline leadership experience, including senior roles across Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. He served on the board of governors of the International Air Transport Association until June and has held board positions in several international aviation, technology and business organizations.
"It is an honour to be chosen to lead this iconic Canadian company as it advances its ambitions and strategy, builds on its award-winning employee culture and customer value proposition, and prepares for an even brighter future," Van der Werff said in a statement. "I look forward to working closely with Air Canada's talented executive team and with all employees to fulfil our commitments to shareholders and customers."
He will relocate to Montreal, where Air Canada's headquarters is located.
Former CEO resigned after backlash
Rousseau faced widespread criticism after he spoke only English in a video message a day after the March 22 tragedy that killed pilots Antoine Forest, a 30-year-old from Coteau-du-Lac, Queb., and Mackenzie Gunther, a 24-year-old from Ottawa. The crash involved a collision with a fire truck on the runway at LaGuardia Airport.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said at the time it was "essential that the next CEO of Air Canada is bilingual." Then Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said he spoke with the airline and recommended a bilingual successor. Quebec Premier Francois Legault welcomed Rousseau's decision to step down, stating that Air Canada "must ensure that the next CEO speaks French."
Rousseau will retire from Air Canada on Aug. 31 after 19 years with the company. Sorensen thanked Rousseau for his service, saying, "The Board is grateful to Michael Rousseau for his outstanding leadership and extraordinary contributions, which are in large part responsible for the enviable position Air Canada enjoys among global carriers."
Rousseau will remain available as needed during the transition. Following his departure, the executive committee will report directly to the Board of Directors until Van der Werff takes over.
